Los Angeles County has had its first West Nile Virus (WNV) death of 2021, weeks after a mosquito sample tested positive for the disease in Santa Clarita.

Los Angeles County Public Health (Public Health) is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes after confirming on Friday that a resident of eastern L.A. County died of WNV, just weeks after a mosquito sample was found with the virus in Santa Clarita.

“West Nile virus can be a serious health threat to people who get infected,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “People should regularly check for items that can hold water and breed mosquitoes, both inside and outside their homes, and to cover, clean or throw out those items.”

Those with WNV at times only experience mild symptoms like fever, muscle aches and fatigue, officials said.

“In some cases, especially in persons over 50 years of age and those with chronic medical conditions such as cancer and diabetes, severe WNV infection can occur and affect the brain and spinal cord causing meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis,” Public Health officials said.

There is no specific cure or vaccine made for WNV, so the best way to stay safe is to prevent being bitten, according to Public Health.

Public Health recommends that people wear long-sleeved clothes and pants and EPA-registered repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone or oil of lemon eucalyptus to prevent bites.

Window and door screens are also recommended to keep mosquitoes out of the home, officials said.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so to reduce the number of mosquitoes around a home, Public Health recommends clearing water in pots or saucers outdoors and maintaining pools.

Public Health also recommend tossing out old items that can collect water outdoors, like old car tires and toys.

Stagnant swimming pools, also known as green pools, should be reported to the Public Health Environmental Health Bureau or the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

Dead birds, which are a sign of WNV spread, can be reported here.

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